EDITOR’S NOTE: Continuing with our reports on the current political-administrative situation in Guyana, we publish below a letter sent by Pt. Ubraj Narine, Vice President/Director of Communications of the Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) and former mayor of Georgetown, in which he requests the Police of that country to investigate alleged acts of corruption in which the Vice President of Guyana would have incurred, Bharrat Jagdeo and Su Zhirong.
The full text of the letter is as follows:
26th March, 2024
Mr. Clifton Hicken
Commissioner of Police
Guyana Police Force
Police Headquarters
Eve Leary,
Georgetown
Dear Commissioner Hicken,
Re: Request for Investigation into Alleged Corruption against Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Su Zhirong as Revealed by Vice News
I write to you on behalf of the Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD), an organisation committed to promoting transparency, fairness, and equity within our society. It has recently come to our attention that United States- based Vice News, a well-respected media outlet, has released damning evidence suggesting the involvement of Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Su Zhirong in corrupt activities.
As an organisation dedicated to fighting discrimination and advocating for justice, we firmly believe that all members of society, regardless of their position or influence, should be held accountable for their actions. Corruption remains a significant challenge in our country, undermining trust in institutions, hindering socio-economic development, and perpetuating inequality. It is imperative that prompt and thorough investigations are conducted whenever allegations of corruption arise.
We kindly request the Guyana Police Force, under your esteemed leadership, to launch a formal investigation into the allegations of corruption made against Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Su Zhirong as revealed by Vice News. The evidence presented in their report suggests that high-level officials may be engaging in illicit activities, which must be thoroughly investigated to maintain public trust and uphold the rule of law.
We understand and acknowledge the importance of impartiality and independence within the investigative process. Therefore, we strongly urge you to ensure that this investigation is conducted transparently and without any influence or obstruction. It is vital to instill public confidence by demonstrating that the Guyana Police Force is committed to upholding justice and combating corruption at all levels.
Once the investigation has been completed, we kindly request that you share the findings with the public, ensuring transparency and accountability. Additionally, if the allegations are substantiated, we urge you to take appropriate legal action against those responsible. Such action will serve as a powerful deterrent against corruption within our society, thereby promoting a fair and just environment for all citizens.
We believe that your commitment to upholding the law and preventing corruption will greatly contribute to the betterment of our society. By ensuring that all individuals are held accountable for their actions, regardless of their social or political standing, we can work towards a future founded on integrity and fairness.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We trust that the Guyana Police Force, under your leadership, will conduct a timely and thorough investigation into these serious allegations.
Sincerely,
…………………………………….
Pt. Ubraj Narine
Vice Chairman/ Communication Officer
Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD)
Copied: United Nations
Mrs. Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC LL. B, (Hons.), LEC Director of Public Prosecutions.
